Beets with Orange Vinaigrette

By now you already know how much I love the Barefoot Contessa Cookbooks. You also know how much I love Trader Joes. They had a total eclipse when I discovered that Trader Joe’s carries pre-made baby beats in the refrigerated section of the store. I used them to make this recipe. My kid was a very good helper but as you might imagine he would not touch the stuff.

: Dressing the beets.

: Mixing it together.

: Beets with Oranges

While making this dish my kid discovered zesting – that he liked. He was also fascinated by the red stain left by the beets. That’s where the love affair ended. Oh well, at least I’m exposing him to new things! Now for the recipe…

Beets with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
adapted from The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten

Prep Time: 8 mins

Ingredients:
2 packages Trader Joe’s Baby Beets (16 oz)
2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar
2 tablespoons orange juice
3 tablespoons good olive oil
1/2 cup small-diced red onion (1 small onion)
2 large seedless oranges, zested
Segments 2 large seedless oranges
sea salt & fresh ground pepper

Drain the beets and cut in half and then quarters. Place the beets in a mixing bowl and add the raspberry vinegar, orange juice, olive oil, and red onions. Toss together and then add salt and pepper to taste. Zest the oranges and then segment over a bowl to catch the juices. Add the orange zest, orange segments, and any juices and mix well. Serve at room temperature.